Self-build dwelling and outbuildings at Land At Hayes Road, Compton Dundon, Somerton

What was proposed

The application sought a self-build dwelling with an attached annexe, altered access, detached garage, home office, gym and agricultural building.

“Application Details Application Reference Numbers: 25/01499/FUL Application Types: Full Planning Permission Extension of Time: Agreed.”

“Description: Erection of a self-build dwellinghouse with ancillary annexe attached, existing vehicular access to be altered, erection of a detached garage with home office & gym above and erection of an agricultural building Site Address: Land At Hayes Road, Compton Dundon, Somerton, Somerset…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site lies on the western edge of Compton Dundon, beside agricultural land and opposite homes, with the dwelling in Flood Zone 1.

“Details of proposal 4.1 Consent is sought for the erection of a self-build, detached dwelling, comprising an attached annexe building, alongside a detached garage structure and detached storage building. Site and surroundings 4.2 The application site lies towards the western edge of the village of Compton Dundon on the north of Hayes Road.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions and a legal agreement, finding no demonstrable harm to the area, neighbours, highways, biodiversity or other environmental interests.

“That the application be approved subject to conditions and the completion of a legal agreement to secure the dwelling as a self-build.”

“Notwithstanding the local objection, the proposed development is considered to be acceptable in principle and will have no adverse impact on the character of the area and will cause no demonstrable harm to residential amenity, highway safety, biodiversity or other environmental concerns in accordance with policies SD1, SS1, SS4, SS5, EQ2, EQ4, TA5 and TA6 of the South Somerset Local Plan and the aims and objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council objected, while the Internal Drainage Board, Phosphates Officer and Natural England raised no objection subject to conditions or mitigation.

“Officer Comment: Highway matters will be discussed further below in the report. Internal Drainage Board The Board has no objection to this application subject to the inclusion of the conditions.”

“Officer Comment: Such conditions would be imposed accordingly in the event of any approval. Somerset Council Phosphates Officer No objections subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Objections from residents

Twelve neighbour objections raised concerns about agricultural land, wildlife, flooding, landscape, design, traffic, services, lighting and neighbouring properties.

“In accordance with the Council’s Adopted Statement of Community Involvement, the application was publicised by way of a general interest site notice. The notice was displayed at site on 13 th August 2025. Twelve neighbour objections were received. The concerns can be summarised as follows: a. Loss of agricultural land b. Impact on wildlife and protected species c. The northern side of Hayes Road is undeveloped and should remain as such d.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Members of the public and a parish council representative spoke against the application, while the applicant spoke in support.

What members discussed

Members debated harm to the landscape and rural character, and whether one home’s benefits outweighed those harms or refusal could be defended on appeal.

“The site sits within the Somerset Levels and Moors Ramsar site. • The whole of England is a National Character Area. • Whilst the site is on a flood zone, The Environment Agency has not been consulted because it does not meet their consultation criteria. • The Internal Drainage Board have been consulted and raised no objections to a number of conditions.”

“During the debate members discussed the public speakers’ objections with a particular on the harms to the landscape and rural character of Compton Dundon, and some members questioned whether the benefits of one dwelling should outweigh these harms. Others felt that refusal of the application on these grounds would not be defendable at appeal because the conditions that have been agreed will mitigate the harms.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Members voted six in favour, three against and none abstaining on a proposal to approve the application.

“At the conclusion of the debate, Cllr Wale proposed to approve the planning application as per the officer’s recommendations, and this was seconded by Cllr Stanton. When put to the vote the proposal was carried by 6 in favour, 3 against and 0 abstentions.”

Minutes

The final decision

Permission was granted for the dwelling and associated buildings, subject to conditions and a legal agreement securing the dwelling as self-build.

“That planning permission for the Erection of a self-build dwellinghouse with ancillary annexe attached, existing vehicular access to be altered, erection of a detached garage with home office & gym above and erection of an agricultural building at Land At Hayes Road, Compton Dundon, Somerton, Somerset be GRANTED”

Minutes